In the later 1990s until very recently, Saab was controlled-- I mean owned-- by GM. Their lack of exclusive product showed; needless rebadges of certain GM models (as well as a certain Subaru model), decline in build quality as well as fit-and-finish, not to mention design characteristics. With the Subaru Impreza WRX-based 9-2X and that travesty GMT based 9-7X behind them, Saab is now looking toward a brighter, more Swedish (and Dutch) future.
The 9-3X was one of the last models commissioned by GM. In an attempt to go fighting after Volvo's popular XC70, Saab hastily dressed up their 9-3 wagon, gave it some ungainly side cladding and presto; the 9-3X was born. First impressions reveal crisp lines, a rather sharp inward-pointing front end, and that traditional (and quite ugly) Saab rear roof. I do like the car as a whole; it looks svelte without looking too upscale for what it is, much the same way as its main competitor does.
Inside, you've got typical Saab niceties, which are good to the eyes, but are hard to the feel. The seats feel way to firm, the dash seems way too elegant, and the hand controls even look rich. Heck, even the colors give off a sports car vibe. That would be fine in an upscale sports sedan; but the Saab 9-3X is the opposite of that.
What the Saab 9-3X is, though, is a gussied up, long in the tooth station wagon that many people won't grasp. Priced at nearly $37,000 to start, it at least undercuts the XC70. But when it's fully loaded, however.. watch out. That seemingly affordable $37 Grand skyrockets to a mid-boggling $46K. Okay, so it's not that expensive, but its a far reach from what I would expect to pay. For that money, I'd probably take a used Audi Allroad, and and Audi Quattro. Not that I'm biased or anything.
No comments:
Post a Comment